TRIBUTES have been paid to a "wonderful" and "kind" taxi driver who died in an aircraft crash.

Christopher Ingle, aged 56, from Kidderminster, and Graham Jones, aged 63, from Cannock, were both travelling in a small aircraft when it crashed near Penkridge in Staffordshire earlier this month.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service and the Midlands Air Ambulance rushed to Otherton Airfield. But both men were sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Otherton Airfield Otherton Airfield (Image: SWNS)

In a tribute to Mr Ingle, his family said: “Christopher was a kind, helpful and thoughtful man who is loved dearly by family and friends.

“We are all devastated by the news of this terrible accident and are so shocked by his passing.

“Christopher enjoyed fitness, martial arts and flying in his plane. He was a taxi driver who had many loyal customers and friends.

"He was a fantastic uncle and a wonderful son. We will forever miss his attitude to life.

“May he rest in peace.”

Kidderminster Shuttle: Christopher IngleChristopher Ingle (Image: Staffordshire Police)

In a Facebook post, Neil Edwards said: "Chris was a well known Kidderminster taxi driver who I played Snooker with during the 1990s.

"My condolences go out to his family. Chris was one of the nicest people I've ever met and I am shocked and deeply saddened by this tragedy".

Also on Facebook, Johnny Claridge said Chris was his "favourite taxi driver" who "always used to make me laugh and smile."

In a tribute to Graham Jones, his family said: “Graham was a loving father and grandfather who will be missed by all.

“Please respect our family’s privacy at this time.”

Kidderminster Shuttle: Graham JonesGraham Jones (Image: Staffordshire Police)

Detective Inspector Peter Goodwin, of CID, said at the time of the crash: “Sadly, two gentlemen have lost their lives following this tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with their families at this difficult time.

“Specially-trained officers are continuing to support them whilst we work in parallel with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch to understand the circumstances leading to their deaths.”